Animal lovers honour pets through veterinary surgeries across Calderdale

Shearbridge Veterinary Centre placed a Christmas tree in reception of its two surgeries in Queensbury, Bradford, and Hipperholme, Halifax, where owners could contact the surgery to request their pet’s name on hanging decorations with a special message.

For every pet honoured, the practice is generously donating £1 to two local charities - Knine & Kitty Care, a charity in Bradford and Halifax, and Lurcher Link, a Queensbury charity.

Shearbridge Vets veterinary nurse Sarah Hosty organises the annual fundraising and they are also inviting donations from clients.

Ms Hosty said: “The memory tree is always popular with owners who have lost their beloved pets, especially as Christmas is an poignant time and people want to remember their pets."

"The decorations have their pet’s name on, making it very personal and even more special. We're continuing to accept donations and add memories for the tree throughout the festive period, the money will be donated in the new year.

“Both charities do excellent work in the community for pets in need so we wanted to support them."

In previous years, clients have written their pet’s name on decorations while visiting surgeries but, due to Covid restrictions preventing owners entering branches, they had to make a request via Facebook.

Knine & Kitty Care helps stray cats and dogs to find both foster and permanent new homes after they

are neutered and vaccinated. Lurcher Link fosters lost or abandoned lurchers or lurcher-type dogs, before trying to rehome them.

Ms Hosty said: "We've raised money for them in the past and it has been well received by clients. We’re not sure how much we will raise, but with the support of our generous clients, we hope it will be a good amount.”